Life-Giving Words

12 Days of Christmas: Day Twelve

"The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life."  John 6:63


When God created the world, He spoke everything into existence. God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. He spoke us into being. The words of God hold power. There are various places in the Old Testament where God speaks directly to people, and His words are recorded for us to read. In the New Testament, we have the words of Jesus. One of the names given to Jesus is Emmanuel, meaning "God with us", and He still is. Through His Spirit and His words.

I've been reading the words of Jesus on a daily basis for a long time, and they still speak to me in new and fresh ways. Some of the thoughts I've shared during these 12 Days of Christmas are ones revealed to me years ago, and others came fresh as I was writing. How often do you read the words of Jesus? Have you ever made a point of doing so, or do you only "listen" occasionally when they happen to come up?

Perhaps while following my blog this month, you have been encouraged and challenged by my insights into the words of Christ. Perhaps Jesus came out of the manger a bit. Jesus said, "The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life."  On the printed page, His words speak truth to our souls. Truth that brings life. It changes us. But only when we read and "hear" them, as if Jesus is speaking them directly to our hearts to teach and inspire us to a better way of life.

I pray you will make reading the words of Jesus a daily habit in the new year. "Keep Christ in Christmas" is a popular holiday slogan. I hope you have done that, and I hope you keep Christ in your year.

Start today with the words Jesus speaks in John 1:38. "What do you want?"  What is your answer to His question? Make it personal. Make it real. Make it life-changing. That's what His words are meant to do.

The Gift of Prayer

12 Days of Christmas: Day Eleven

"If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you."  John 15:7


They say one of the best gifts you can give someone is the gift of prayer, and I believe that's true. Prayer is an intangible gift with tangible results. Prayer can change people's lives. I've seen prayer bring healing, restoration, and amazing blessings. God listens to His people and responds. He is a personal God. He is interested in the details of our lives.

But sometimes the solutions to our problems are not simple ones. Sometimes the changes take time, or we may not know what to pray for. The good news is we don't have to know all the details to pray for someone, so don't let that stop you. Just pray (for yourself and others) and see how God answers. He always does what is best--even if we ask for something else. We can trust Him on that.

Jesus talks about prayer in John 15. He is instructing His disciples to stay close to Him, even though He knew He wasn't going to be around much longer. Jesus was their teacher and friend--a real live person they could see and touch, but soon He was going to Heaven, where they could no longer see Him, but He would still be with them. His Spirit would dwell in them and draw them into an intimate day-by-day faith where He wanted them to abide. "Abide in me, and I in you." (John 15:4)

Another word for abide is live. So you could say the verse this way: "[Live] in me, and I [will live] in you." He goes on to say, "If you [live] in me and my words [live] in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." (John 15:7)

Those are some strong words. I encourage you to write them somewhere and think about them in the coming days. How do you think believing these words of promise and living by them could change your life in the coming year? One of the ways they have affected me is my prayers are more in-line with what God wants, and it causes me to truly know His Heart.

"As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. [Live] in my love." John 15:9

Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

A Gift For The World

12 Days of Christmas: Day Ten

"Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."  John 20:21

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, God gave a gift to the world. We sing songs like Joy To The World, Silent Night, and O Come All Ye Faithful to celebrate and remember the Christ-child and the mercy He brought to humankind. He provided a way for peace. He offered forgiveness and proclaimed God's love.

Jesus came to offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. He died and was raised to life, proving He had authority over sin and death; Death will not be the end for us either. There is hope. Through Him we overcome a destructive fate.

But that's not all Jesus did. He didn't just come to die. He came to teach. He came to live a different way. He gave up His right as God's Son to judge and condemn. Instead, He chose to love and forgive and give humankind the ability to do the same for one another.

After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to His disciples and said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you...Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." (John 20:21-23)

Just as He came to demonstrate the Father's love, Jesus sent His followers (the first Christians) to do the same: to forgive sins and live a different way--this way of grace and humility and being a gift to humankind; He sent them to love, forgive, and offer peace.

He does the same with His followers today. We have His words of life to live by, and He gives us the power to live differently and be a gift to the world. Are you living as God's gift to the world? To your family? To your friends? To your community? To those with different values and beliefs? To those who worship or serve differently than you? Are you gracious, compassionate, humble, gentle? Are you at peace? Are you living like Jesus did? Do you talk like Him and act like Him? Do you know Him well enough to know what that looks like?

We like to keep Jesus in the manger, but He didn't stay in the manger. He came to be human, and He led an extraordinary life. You can do the same. You too can be a gift for the world.

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last...The Father will give you whatever you ask for in my name. This is my command: Love each other." 

John 15:16-17

Special Gifts

12 Days of Christmas: Day Nine

"She has done a beautiful thing to me."  Mark 14:6


Are you a unique-gift giver? Do you know someone who always gives special, one-of-a-kind gifts? Have you ever received a gift you never imagined receiving?

A few days ago I talked about a woman who gave Jesus a special gift at a dinner-party. She anointed His feet with perfume and her tears. The host was disgusted with her act of worship, but Jesus appreciated it. He understood what she was doing and why she was doing it.

A similar story is told in Mark 14. This may have been the same woman at the same dinner but told from a different point of view; or it may have been at a different time. We don't know for sure, but I'd like to focus on what Jesus has to say, and His reaction is similar in terms of accepting the woman's gift, but His words are directed toward His disciples. They criticize her for being wasteful of expensive perfume that could have better uses, but Jesus is focused on her thoughtfulness. We pick up the story as it is told in Mark 14:4-8:

Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly.

"Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me...She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare me for my burial."

Unique gifts are beautiful gifts. They may not be practical or useful or requested. They may be expensive or cost very little. They are not as much about the gift itself as the thought behind it. The heart of the giver and the heart of the receiver. They're personal.

I believe this can be especially true for the gifts we give to God and He gives to us. There are common gifts we give, such as praise and money. And there are common gifts we all can receive, like everyday needs and forgiveness.

But when we give a special gift to God, it's about the personal connection we can have with Jesus. Something we know He wants and will use in a special way. Some examples could be giving to others in need, giving Him more of our time or our trust, or making a special commitment.

And when we receive unique gifts from Jesus, He is making a personal connection with us. It may be a "spiritual gift" where God gives the ability to teach or encourage others, or a specific opportunity He brings my way to share my talents; or it may be Jesus meeting a particular need for me no one else knows about or comes at just the right time.

If you were to request a special gift from Jesus this Christmas, what would it be? And what special gifts can you give to Him? Whatever they may be, ask freely and give freely. And have a beautiful Christmas.

"Freely you have received, freely give." Matt. 10:8

Painting of woman by Jan van Scorel. Public Domain.

The Gift of Peace

12 Days of Christmas: Day Eight


"Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?...Why do you have so little faith?"  Matthew 6:27, 30


What do you worry about? What are you worried about today? The same things you were worried about yesterday, last week, last month, or new things? I wouldn't be surprised if you said, 'All of the above!' That's one of the problems with worry. Once fearful thoughts enter our mind, it's hard to get rid of them, and once we allow ourselves to think about what could happen in one area of life, those same fears can be transferred to other things.

Jesus had something to say about worry, and His words boil down to this: 'Don't! It doesn't do any good.' And for those who do worry, He asks the question: "Why do you have so little faith?"

Have you ever thought of your worries as being about a lack of faith? It's easy to feel alone in our fears, problems, and challenges, and that's where worry often begins. But if we take time to remember God is with us and we are never alone, that can bring us peace.

One of the easiest ways to see how much we are living by faith is to look at what we worry about. If you are worried about getting good grades, getting into college, and your future, this points to a lack of faith in God's guidance and help in pursuing your dreams. If you are worried about finding the right guy and doubt you ever will, this points to a lack of faith in God's perfect timing and goodness. If you are worried about being safe or having what you need, this points to a lack of faith in God's protection and care.

Sometimes the problem isn't so much about believing what God has promised, but knowing what He has promised. Do you know what God has said about guiding you, being good to you, and caring for you? And if so, have you put His words to the test? Have you asked for His help in difficult situations? Have you asked Him to give you what you need? Have you asked for wisdom when facing a tough decision? Have you asked for strength to make the right choices?

Other common worries have to do with our concern about what others think of us, or even what God thinks. We worry about having the right clothes, the right look, the right friends, the right image. We worry about being good enough. Do I have enough ambition, accomplishments, awards, and achievements? Do I have enough on my "nice" list this year? Do my parents, friends, and teachers think highly enough of me? Am I measuring up to the standard of all I should be--beauty-wise, brain-wise, socially, spiritually?

Whatever worries you can relate to here, I encourage you to take a deep breath this Christmas and remember why Jesus came: to bring us peace and hope. Jesus says we don't need to worry, and we can believe Him.

"I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart...So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27





Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.  All rights reserved.

Perfect Gifts

12 Days of Christmas: Day Seven

"But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you...In that way you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that?...If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else?...But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect."  Luke 6:27-28; Matthew 5:45-48 NLT


Have you ever been out shopping for Christmas gifts and come across something you weren't looking for but knew of someone it fit so perfectly? You couldn't let the opportunity pass by to get it for them. You said, "That would be perfect for ______. I have to get it!"

Someone once gave me a red mug with the word Love on one side and a Bible verse about love on the back, along with a small wood plaque with the words: Jesus Loves Me. I think it had something to do with me teaching that vital truth to children and the adult leaders who were listening too. I do talk and write about God's love a lot because believing that simple truth affects every area of my faith-journey. If I leave it out, nothing makes sense.

God is love and He wants us to be people of love. He empowers us to love others even when it's hard--and sometimes it's REALLY hard! But still, if we are willing to accept it, He wants us to love them, and not only for their sake, but also for us. He doesn't expect perfection from us. We are not capable of that. But He does want perfection for us.

He knows what hate, anger, and bitterness do to my heart, and He doesn't want me to be stuck in that emotional bondage because others have hurt me. He wants me to find healing, so He empowers me to love and forgive and move on. There is a reward for those who love instead of hate. There is a reward for patience. There is peace and joy for those who don't allow negative emotions to control them.

God gives perfect gifts to help us in our imperfect lives and relationships. When I fall short of perfection and hurt others, He offers me grace. And when others fall short and cause me pain, inconvenience, fear, or frustration--He offers me grace to bear with them in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Gal. 5:22-23)

When Jesus spoke these words about loving those who are difficult to love, He wasn't saying, 'You should live this way.' He was saying, 'You can live this way because this is how your Father is and you are His child.' He graciously gifts us with the ability to love, and therefore find peace.

The Gift of Love

12 Days of Christmas: Day Six

"I tell you her sins--and they are many--have been forgiven, so she has shown much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love." (Luke 7:47 NLT)


Once when Jesus was at a dinner-party held in His honor, He told a story to the host who had invited Him. It involved two people who owed a man a lot of money, but one owed much more than the other. When neither of them could repay, the lender decided to cancel both debts. Jesus asked the host this question: "Now which of them will love him more?"

He told this story because a woman heard He was there and came to anoint His feet with perfume and her tears. The host was disgusted with her behavior because she was a sinful woman, and he didn't understand why Jesus allowed it. After telling the story, Jesus pointed out to the host the ways the woman was honoring Him, and the ways he was not. In truth, they both were in need of God's mercy and forgiveness, but one of them knew it and the other didn't.

The man who invited Jesus to dinner was a member of a sect called the Pharisees. In general, the Pharisees didn't accept Jesus as the Messiah. He was too humble, ordinary, and didn't associate with the right people. Jesus got after them a lot regarding their self-righteous behavior and how they were oppressing the poor, sinful, and anyone not like them. They needed forgiveness as much as anyone, perhaps even more so, but they didn't recognize their sinful ways. For them it was all about trying to earn God's favor rather than simply receiving God's favor. They were focused on their own duty and righteousness (and that everyone else should be like them), rather than being focused on God's love.

I'd like to say I've never fallen into this same trap, but I can't. And in a way, I'm glad. I know what it feels like to take love out of the equation in my relationship with God. And I never want to go back there. It's a dark, lonely place of confusion and pain. I am thankful God rescued me from that. He has taught me to rest in His grace every day. No matter how I fall short--through disobedience, misguided choices, disappointing others, or not being all I think I should be: His grace is enough. He loves me.

Believing that makes me more loving, more forgiving, and more giving. I believe I am precious in His sight. I believe in all He has done for me. I believe His ultimate gift to me is Himself: His peace, His presence, and His mercy. What are you believing this Christmas?

Secret Gifts

12 Days of Christmas: Day Five


My siblings and I have a tradition of exchanging Secret Santa gifts every year. We draw names and don't reveal who-has-whom until Christmas Day when the gifts are opened. We aren't kids anymore, but it always makes me feel like one.

What is it about good secrets that are so fun and joyful? Secrets can be a bad thing that cause a lot of devastation and pain--but good secrets are the complete opposite. The subject of secrets can be found in the Bible more often than you may think. There are bad secrets like when David had an affair with Bathsheba and then sent her husband to the front lines of battle to be killed. He didn't get away with it and later penned these words of repentance: You desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. (Psalm 51:6) The word for 'inmost place' can also be translated as secret.

Jesus, however, talked about good secrets. Secrets of The Kingdom. His Parables contain secret messages about God's character and ways, and He talked about having a secret-life with God in the areas of prayer, giving, and worship. Prayer is meant to be personal--confession, sharing your deepest needs, listening to what God has to say specifically to your heart.

Giving is also meant to be a secret activity. Not something to do for show or to impress others or gain praise. It's an act of trust between you and God. Giving to others with the belief He will provide for your needs.

At Christmas we talk about giving to Jesus--it's His birthday after all. But what Jesus wants is for us to receive what He has for us. We are in need of His grace. That's why He came: To save us. In Luke 9:23 He says, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me."  These words are often interpreted as, 'Put aside your own needs. Stop thinking about yourself. Carry the cross you are meant to bear and live your life for Me.' But that is not the heart of Jesus.

When He says, deny yourself, He means, 'Stop trying to be self-sufficient. You can't do life on your own, so stop trying. You can't save yourself so 'lift up' that heavy cross you bear and let Me carry it for you. Just follow Me--you don't have to figure out your own way. I'll show you.'

This Christmas, share secrets with Jesus. Confess to Him what you need to confess and receive His forgiveness. Share your burdens, needs, and desires with Him, and then listen to the secrets He has for you. Hear Him say, 'I know what you need more than you do. I know the secrets to a life of blessing, purpose, and joy. Just come to Me and I'll get you there.'

"Come to me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest...learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29)

His Gift To You

12 Days of Christmas: Day Four

"If you only knew the gift God has for you, and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water...those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again."  John 4:10, 14

Satisfaction. It's something we all long for. And we seek it. We set goals, and we dream big dreams. We long for relationships that will satisfy our hearts. We socialize and look to others to meet our needs for acceptance, belonging, and companionship. We seek God's approval. We try to be good people. We try to do more and do better. 

But what happens when we don't find what we're seeking, or we do, but it doesn't turn out like we hope? When we make mistakes that set us back. When we get hurt. When others push us away. When we rise to new heights, only to discover it doesn't bring the happiness we were hoping for.

Jesus spoke these words about satisfaction to a woman who was longing for it. We know this by her response: when she received the living water, she had to go into town to tell everyone about it. Why was she at this well at an unbusy time of day? Perhaps it was the best time for her to avoid the watchful stares and whispers of others, or maybe she needed a temporary escape from her unsatisfying, disappointing life.

"Please, sir, give me this water! Then I'll never be thirsty again." (She is still thinking in terms of natural thirst here, but Jesus is about to change that.)

"Go and get your husband," Jesus told her.

"I don't have a husband."

Jesus replied. "You're right! You don't have a husband--for you have had five husbands, and you aren't married to the man you're living with now."  (John 4:15-18)

In offering her "living water", Jesus addresses her emptiness. Her lack of fulfillment. Her desire to please others that had been rejected. Her broken dreams; Your circumstances may be totally different than hers, but can you relate anyway? How would you fill in the blank, "I don't have______."?

"If you only knew the gift God has for you, and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water..."

I don't know what your empty places are, but you do, and so does Jesus. And empty places aren't empty. They are filled with sadness, pain, anger, guilt, fear, frustration, or loneliness.  Jesus wants to meet you at your well of brokenness and fill it with something else: His love, His forgiveness, His presence, and His peace. That's His gift to you this Christmas season and always.

"Everyone who asks, receives."  (Matthew 7:8)

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.  All rights reserved.

Woman at the Well by Carl Heinrich Bloch. Public Domain.

Extraordinary Gifts

12 Days of Christmas; Day Three

Have you ever received a gift for Christmas you will never forget? Something extraordinary? I have received a lot of wonderful gifts over the years, but one does stand out above the rest. And it was a surprise, even better!

My husband and I got engaged during the summer while we were working a volunteer job at a youth camp. He couldn't afford a ring at the time but said he would get one for me eventually, and I was content to wait. He surprised me with it on Christmas Eve of that same year, and I have that moment forever painted in my memory.

But even more than the engagement ring he gave to me, I see him as an extraordinary gift from my heavenly Father. A precious, priceless gift. I feel the same about my children and the life of ministry He has given us as a family. I am so grateful. I am beside myself with gratitude. I have been extraordinarily blessed.

There is a story in the book of Luke about a woman who was blessed by Jesus in an extraordinary way. Her only son had died, and she was a widow. Jesus "just happens" to be passing through her village on the day of his funeral, and He sees the procession taking her son to his grave. She is weeping. When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. "Don't cry!' he said. (Luke 7:13) Jesus proceeds to walk over to the coffin, touches it, and her son is restored to life.

This is certainly an extraordinary story, like many others Jesus was involved in. We don't know much beyond the short and simple narrative given in these few Bible verses. We don't know who this woman was or how her life was changed by this event. We do know the people who saw it were amazed and knew God had "visited" them. The news about Jesus spread throughout the region.

Personally, however, I believe Jesus did it mostly for this woman. The love He had for her surfaced, and He was merciful. He gave her what she needed. He didn't want her to be sad. He wanted her to be happy, and He wanted her to know God saw her. He knew about her pain and despair, and He brought hope to a hopeless situation.

In reading this story, I was reminded of another woman in the Bible. She too had lost her husband and had a son to care for on her own. Elijah, an Old Testament prophet, went to stay with her, and she fed him on her last bread rations, and then her supply of flour and oil never ran out! Later her son also died, Elijah pleaded for his life, and God raised him from the dead. After Elijah shows the woman her son is alive, she says, "Now I know for sure that you are a man of God, and that the LORD truly speaks through you." (1 Kings 17:24)

Okay, back up. She didn't already believe that? God told her He was sending one of His prophets her way, Elijah shows up, and she suddenly has an unlimited supply of food? That wasn't enough for her to be convinced? She needed more?

But I'm often the same way. God shows me His presence, compassion, and abundant love daily, but still I doubt. How about you? What extraordinary gifts are under your Christmas life-tree? They are already unwrapped, opened, and plainly seen. People you love and those who love you. Your home, school, church, talents, opportunities, and life circumstances. They're a daily reminder of God's faithfulness and love. Extraordinary gifts you did nothing to earn or can explain. But there they are. Are you convinced?

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.  All rights reserved

God Gives: We Give

12 Days of Christmas: Day Two

"Do not judge others, and you will not be judged...Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give and you will receive."  Luke 6:37-38

God gives good gifts. He gives because He loves us. When we ask God for things, we believe He will give us what we need because of who He is--our generous, loving Father who wants to shower us with blessings.

God wants us to be like Him. He wants us to give as He gives. That's one of the reasons Jesus came. He came to establish God's Kingdom among us--within us. He gives us the Spirit to empower us to be more than we can be on our own. He gives us many things, but ultimately He gives us Himself. He gives us His Heart.

The question is, do we live like it? Are we living as those who have been empowered to live beyond ourselves? Are we living as these verses in Luke describe? Are we judging others? Are we forgiving? Are we giving generously? These commands may seem impossible to keep, but they're not. Jesus told us to live this way, not as a suggestion or an impossible demand, but as a way to live fully in His abundance.

One reason we don't live this way is because we see other people and our circumstances as a threat to our survival. We feel the need to protect ourselves and provide for ourselves. We forget every blessing we have comes from God. We forget He will always give us what we need, so we attempt to care for ourselves. We protect our hearts and our time and our possessions. But God can do all of that so much better. When we listen and believe and trust: He takes care of the rest.

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." (Matt. 6:33)

"Give and you will receive" is a promise that we can give without fear. God will always take care of us and give us what we need. We can trust Him on that. John 1:16 says, From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.

What blessings are you receiving from Him, and how are you passing that on to others? What do you have to give? Love? Time? A kind word? An act of acceptance or forgiveness? Your talents? Worldly goods?

To use a popular song lyric--Let it go! Let it go and see how others are blessed. Let it go and see how what you give comes back to you. Jesus said it will, so you can believe it!

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.  All rights reserved

Good Gifts

I will be posting a blog series this month entitled "12 Days of Christmas". Each day will highlight words spoken by Jesus. I hope they will be an encouragement to you and a reminder of how much you are loved this Christmas season and always.

12 Days of Christmas:Day One

Good Gifts!

"Keep on asking, and you will receive...Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you...your heavenly Father [will] give good gifts to those who ask him."  Matthew 7:7, 11

Good gifts. We all like giving and receiving them. Did you know God also enjoys giving good gifts? In Matthew 7 Jesus says, "Keep on asking, and you will receive...Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you."  I wonder what He wants us to ask for? What have you asked for lately? Do you believe He gives good gifts?

In Psalm 147 it says, The LORD's delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.  The word used for hope here means to wait with patience; to trust. It's about believing in His unfailing love and expecting it. Like when you ask for a Christmas gift you know will be under the tree on Christmas morning.

But often we aren't counting on His love like that. We're hoping for it, but it's only wishful thinking. Or maybe we're not even thinking about it. When was the last time you thought about God's love for you? Do you remind yourself every day? Do you believe it?

In everything God does, He wants to leave us in awesome wonder of His love. When He sent Jesus into the world as a baby born in Bethlehem, He was sending a message of love...Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour (Luke 2)...To whom? To everyone...Why a Savior? Because we needed one and God was willing to give us what we need. But it doesn't end there. He didn't stop with Jesus in the manger.

The question for this Christmas season is, are we looking for His love today? Are we expecting it? Are we asking for the good things we truly need? Are we asking, seeking, and knocking? And most importantly, are we receiving?

Consider the words coming out of your mouth today, your thoughts and attitudes. Are they positive, loving, and joyful; or filled with discontent, fear, and negativity? What's behind any joyless words or thinking? Do you need to remember Jesus came for you and He wants you to come to Him for whatever you need?

James 1:17 says, Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father.  What good and perfect gifts has He already given you? Reminding yourself of these things will change your mindset. So will believing He has more good things in store.

What are you thankful for today? What would you like to ask Him for? (If you have a notebook or journal handy, write out your thoughts.)

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.  All rights reserved

He's On Your Side

 For the LORD gives wisdom. From his mouth come knowledge and understanding...wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Proverbs 2:6, 10-11

Choices. We make them every day. Good choices, bad choices, and choices we're not sure about. What is right? What is wrong? What is good? What is better? Choices are not always easy to make, and different people may give you different advice. What you think is right may turn out to be wrong, or others might say you made a mistake, but did you really, or is that just their opinion? It's not always easy to know the difference, and making the right choices often takes wisdom. The good news is, God will give us wisdom and help us to do what is best.

Let's take a look at a time when Jesus had to use wisdom when it came to following Jewish Law versus doing what was best. It was the Sabbath Day and Jesus went to the synagogue (Jewish place of worship) to teach. Afterwards Jesus went to Simon Peter's home and Peter's mother-in-law was sick with a fever. "Please heal her," everyone begged. Standing at her bedside, he rebuked the fever, and it left her. And she got up at once and prepared a meal for them. (Luke 4:38-39)

This is a good thing, right? Well, yes, except it was the Sabbath, and Jewish Law said that no work was supposed to be done on that day of the week. According to some, that included healing people.

As the sun went down that evening, people throughout the village brought sick family members to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of his hand healed every one. (Luke 4:40)

Here we see that most people waited until the Sabbath was over (after sunset) to come to Jesus for healing. Undoubtedly they feared asking sooner would have been wrong, but Jesus wouldn't have thought so, and He also violated another law by "touching" those who were sick. This would have made Him "unclean", but He did it anyway.

Jesus could have told Peter's mother-in-law she had to wait until sundown for healing, but He didn't. Why?  Because her need for quick healing was greater than a law designed to meet a person's need for rest. She didn't need a day of rest, she needed healing, and Jesus met her need.

On another occasion when Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath and others pointed fingers of judgement at Him, Jesus said, "If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn't you work to pull it out? Of course you would. And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep? Yes, the Law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath." (Matt. 12:11-12)  And another time He said, "The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people--not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath." (Mark 2:27)

Jesus was a bit of a rebel, wasn't He? And for good reason. People were being controlled by the laws rather than benefitting from them: that changed God's original intentions. He gave the Law to Moses as a means of guiding His People to live in the best ways, but later others turned these "good rules" into burdens that restricted people's freedom and went against the laws of common sense. God's laws were never meant to replace wisdom. They were meant to teach wisdom. They were meant to be a guide for good living, not a strict rule-book.


The Ten Commandments make good sense and provide benefits for those who follow them. Along with telling us to keep the Sabbath as a special day of rest, they also teach us to follow and trust God alone, not to put our faith in "other gods". They can't help us, but God is on our side.



God also said to "Honor your father and your mother", and other commands keep us safe, and keep us from hurting others (Exodus 20:12-17). Just imagine what the world would be like if everybody followed them: no one would kill, steal, lie, or be envious of others. How many crimes would be non-existent? How many people would be so much happier if we all learned to be content with what we have instead of always wanting more?

But sometimes the things we are taught to do become more of a duty, obligation, or a way of making us look good. We don't follow God's instructions because we know they make good sense, we obey because we're afraid of what God might do to us if we don't, or because we want to earn His favor, or we want others to see how "good" we are. We aren't concerned with our own needs or the needs of others, we just want to feel good about ourselves. We aren't interested in "loving our neighbor", as Jesus said to do, we just want to be "better" than our neighbor.

Jesus said the greatest commandment is to listen to God and love Him (Mark 12:28-30). He didn't say this for His benefit--as if He needs my love and devotion. He said it for my benefit, because He knows I need to listen and love His ways so I can have the Abundant Life. And it's not only about what I do, but what I believe. Am I obeying God because I believe He wants the best for me, or because I'm afraid of Him? Am I listening because I know He always tells me the truth and guides me in the best way, or because others tell me I should? Do I love Him because I know He is worth loving and He loves me unconditionally, or do I try really hard to love Him because I know I'm supposed to?


What choices are you facing? Daily choices about how you see others and treat them, rules to break or follow, to listen to your parents or ignore their guidance, to complain or be thankful, to be content or wishing you had_____, to listen to God and trust Him, to seek Him because you want to know Him better, to share His kindness, forgiveness, and love.

All of these choices hinge on one truth: God's love for you. When you believe in His unconditional love, all of the above choices become so much simpler. You don't have to debate with yourself or work up the goodness to do the right thing. What you need to do becomes clear and joyful. And if someone dares to accuse you of being foolish or wrong, you can smile and know that God is on your side.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and he will show you the path to take.  Proverbs 3:5-6

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.  All rights reserved.

Photos ©2014 by Cindy Rae Riggs. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Decalogue parchment by Jekuthiel Sofer 1768. Public Domain